Nonprofit Communications Capacity Building Retreat

Op Ed Writing

Spokesperson Skills

Media Relations

Social Media

Peer Networking

Here's what SPIN Alumni are saying:

"SPIN helped me see that the words we use are crucial to how people think about our work."

Here's what SPIN Alumni are saying:

"From presentations from communications and branding experts to hands-on workshops on messaging, I was able to learn from and work with some of the country’s best and brightest at SPIN."

Here's what SPIN Alumni are saying:

"I learned it's not just important to understand your audience but to also understand their values and fears."

Here's what SPIN Alumni are saying:

"The SPIN Academy training has been a game changer for me."

Here's what SPIN Alumni are saying:

"I cannot wait to take what I have learned and apply it to the mission and programs at my organization!"

Here's what SPIN Alumni are saying:

"My ‘ah-ha’ moment at SPIN was thinking critically about messages. They can be so subliminal but when you really start thinking about them critically - which we don't often have the time to do - you can see how you can be 100x more effective in reaching your target audience."

Communications as a Tool for Deep Change

The SPIN Academy trains advocates for social change to adopt a strategic approach to their communications work.

The SPIN Academy is built on the premise that nonprofits working for positive social change must communicate effectively to achieve results.

During our nearly 20 years, we’ve trained thousands of nonprofit leaders from all across the country to craft smarter strategies, build stronger brands, and deliver more meaningful messages about their vital work.

Through our annual four-day retreat at Walker Creek Ranch in Petaluma, CA, we offer an accessible and affordable training that includes practical tools, coaching, and network opportunities – so nonprofits can communicate effectively for themselves. Our curriculum is inspired by the best practices in the field and offers the building blocks of strategic communications, including brand development, storytelling, message creation & more.

The Benefits of SPIN

Today, communications savvy is a key requirement of almost every role in the nonprofit sector.

Through the SPIN Academy, participants come to understand the need for a comprehensive communications strategy and gain the means – and confidence - to implement it.

The SPIN Academy supports the professional development of nonprofit leaders at all levels. Each year, the SPIN Academy provides instruction from experts in the field on practical communications skills such as Op-Ed writing, spokesperson skills, online communications, and social media, while providing a space for peer learning and networking.

By bringing together a diverse group of participants and trainers, the SPIN Academy also creates a growing network of communicators with cross-sector connections and broad geographic reach to share best practices and build public support for the most pressing issues of our time. Most importantly, participants return to their organizations with a new framework for engaging in strategic communications as a means to achieve change.

"There was A LOT of good information shared at SPIN and we have already set up a date for a presentation to the entire staff." -- 2016 SPIN Alumni

Venue Location

Application Guide

The SPIN Academy strengthens the strategic communications capacity and progressive leadership skills of participants, their respective organizations and the progressive movement. Review application guidelines before you apply!